There’s a lot of false information associated with astrology because of its status as a “pseudo-science.” In addition to existing within a society that prioritizes logic over intuition, it’s no wonder astrology is doubted and misconstrued. I’m going to deconstruct five popular misconceptions about the practice to set the record straight.
✶ ✶ ✶
1. Men and women of the same sign act "differently."
Unfortunately, astrology is a study that’s been infiltrated by gender stereotypes and heterosexual assumptions. Fortunately, the stars are queer in the sense that they’re unfazed by binaric interpretations of sex and gender.
Older astrologers and astrology texts will have differing descriptions of the signs, such as the “Aquarius Man” and the “Aquarius Women.” When in reality, the distinction is more of an analysis of how male-dominated structures have shaped the expression of Aquarius energy.
The problem with this misconception is that it negatively reinforces the gender binary and assigns certain behaviors as normal to men and women. But it’s a limited system and only narrows astrological interpretation.
Each individual is a unique conglomeration of their experiences, emotions, and expectations. Each person responds differently to gender socialization. Some may see themselves mirrored in what heteropatriarchy believes to be true. But many don’t and seek to express themselves beyond those finite scopes.
I believe astrology should be approached in an intersectional manner, one that considers the interpretation of the planets and placements but also people’s lived experiences. With this framework, our studies can be more nuanced, sensitive, and fluid.
2. Your chart is responsible for your actions.
Natal charts give a lot of insight into your psychological tendencies and decision-making processes. They can aid you in being more aware of your motivations and desires. But only you are responsible for your behavior and decisions.
People who use astrology to avoid accountability and elude the consequences of their actions are using it for the wrong reasons. The Zodiac isn’t a scapegoat, only a guide.
Even I’m guilty of this, blaming my compulsion to be stubborn on my Taurus Moon or my obsession with work on my Capricorn Sun and Rising.
This attitude detracts from our abilities to develop a deeper knowledge of our psychology. Without acknowledging the impact we have on the course of our lives, we’ll never be aware enough to change what keeps us suck. Astrology can only explain and speculate possibilities for why you do what you do, but it never justifies it.
3. Astrology isn't backed by science.
Why do astrologers get so much heat for not being scientists but then scientists claim there’s a 13th sign and no one’s like: “oh but you’re not an astrologer?”
They really should, because science rejects astrology’s legitimacy while simultaneously acknowledging astronomy. I explore this double standard more in depth in my first post but feel it’s worth mentioning again since it’s one of the most common misconceptions.
Astrology/astronomy in the Western world used to be a male-dominated field that was accepted and valued by scientific institutions. But as Europe shifted towards the Enlightenment, an emphasis on logic and reason overshadowed the study’s speculative and mystical nature.
There are a variety of other historical factors that contributed to this process but I believe astrology’s association with femininity and women is a recent component. Other cultural writers have speculated that men are skeptical of astrology because it’s framed as a “woman’s interest.”
But mostly, people who believe that astrology is a pseudo-science are simply misinformed. Their perception of the practice has been swayed by the sensationalization of Sun sign and logic-orientated criticism. For when one studies astrology, they learn the tremendous amount of science and math that exists within the practice. They learn that interpretations of various elements aren’t concrete; there is always the potential for evolution.
Just as the scientific method acknowledges that every theory (even gravity) can be disproven, so do astrologers understand that knowledge is flexible and dynamic.
4. The Sun sign is the most important placement in a chart.
We can blame the Western world’s ego-obsessed orientation for this misconception. Our Sun signs are known as our “ego,” the conscious understanding of one’s confidence and motivation.
The pervasiveness of this idea is largely due to the rise of astrology in popular culture. Anything that goes mainstream is likely to be watered down, and astrology is no exception. Most horoscopes are written for Sun signs, meaning everyone whose a Pisces reads the same description of their day, week, or year. Even astrologers that create them acknowledge it’s a limited art form.
Sun sign astrology is a starting point for those intrigued by astrology, as our Sun signs represent our strength, confidence, drive, and personal purpose. All of the planets in astrology revolve around the Sun but this does not mean our interpretations about astrology must orbit around it as well.
There are many other planets and placements in our chart that deserve the attention pop culture gives to Sun signs, if not more.
5. Some signs are worse than others.
This particular attitude is most common with astrology beginners, especially those who learned about the subject through the internet. We’ve all seen those Twitter and Tumblr posts ranking the signs from best to worst. Astrology bias is everywhere, and people love to talk shit about signs they’ve had negative experiences with.
Your ex wasn’t trash because they were a Scorpio. Your parent didn’t ruin your life because they were a Sagittarius. Refer back to the previous point about how individuals, not placements, are responsible for their actions. Astrology can only suggest motivation, drive, and psychology but it does not determine it.
When we fall prey to the mindset that certain signs are “worse” than others, our ability to be accurate in our analysis is compromised. We fail to consider that there are other reasons people act in negative or destructive ways, such as environmental circumstances. It’s an easy way to avoid the complexities of individuals and how they interact with their natal charts.
Of course, charts can be used to better understand why someone may be prone to explosive anger or have a tendency to be secretive. But I believe these are examples of how aspects between planets, as opposed to singular placements, can impact individuals. The signs themselves tend to be more neutral.
Every sign’s energy can be channeled for selfish and deceitful purposes. But having a particular sign in your chart does not indicate you’re a bad person. If someone sucks, it’s because they suck. Not because they have whatever sign you determine you don’t like.
In addition to this, we often assign the harshest judgements to energies that we’re uncomfortable acknowledging in ourselves. Before I understood the harmful impact of astrology bias, I distrusted Scorpio energy because I had an unfortunate experience with a Scorpio Sun. It was only later that I discovered it was a defense mechanism to prevent me from understanding the Scorpio within my chart.
I realized my aversion to Scorpio’s powerful and penetrating intensity had nothing to do with that individual. But everything to do with my own fear of embracing it’s potential in my personality! Everyone has all 12 signs in their chart. We must work to understand our relationship with each one to see the full scope of the insight astrology can offer.
